Lombardi was the Browns' pro personnel director in 1991 when Saban was hired as defensive coordinator. Now Lombardi is a general manager in a firestorm in need of a move that might soothe angry fans.

Bernie Kosar, who was a Browns quarterback when Saban arrived in 1991, thinks Saban could turn the team around.

Kosar said Saban is the type to thirst for the challenge of "winning at the highest level ... before he's too old."

Saban, 62, steered Alabama to three national championships and barely missed this year's national title game.

Kosar said the fact Saban recently “entertained the thought of going to Texas” suggests he is more open to leaving. Owner Jimmy Haslam, a staunch SEC fan, was intrigued last year, but Saban said he was not interested in leaving at that point.

It's a new year, and the Browns have a ton of draft picks. One likely to intrigue Saban is Johnny Manziel, who lit up Alabama as Texas A&M’s quarterback.

Saban exudes a “my way or the highway” persona. Kosar said hiring Saban would not hinge on his convincing Haslam he could work with Lombardi.

“Nick will be the boss,” Kosar said. “Nick has a certain way of doing things and it has been a successful way.

“The question has to be asked in reverse.”

In other words, can Lombardi work with Saban?

Kosar is a longtime acquaintance of Chudzinski’s. Both played for the Miami Hurricanes.

Kosar said Chudzinski will take his dismissal hard, but he also said hiring a replacement with Saban’s clout would make the move understandable.